Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi has opened up on his emotional injury return towards the back end of last season.
The Japanese internationalist was a key player for Ange Postecoglou last season after arriving as part of 12 new additions in the summer.
The Celtic manager knew Kyogo well from his time in Japan, and it was clear to see that Postecoglou saw the 27-year-old as a talismanic figure within his side.
After such a brilliant start to life at Parkhead, many fans were excited to see the striker continue to develop within this side as it continued to strengthen as the campaign went on.
However, just before the January break, Kyogo suffered a long-term hamstring injury, which kept him out until April time.
Thankfully, the Bhoys didn’t have to rely on the striker’s goalscoring ability in the second half of the season, with Giorgos Giakoumakis stepping up to the plate.
However, it was still a huge relief to see the frontman make his injury return, with Celtic fans asking week upon week when we may see him back in action.
That moment came in an emphatic 7-0 win over St Johnstone at the beginning of April, and Kyogo received a huge reception from the Parkhead crowd.
Speaking in a recent interview, Kyogo revealed his emotional response to his brilliant reception, stating that it almost had him in tears.
He said [Sun Sport]: “Everyone was very worried when I was injured and missed months. When I came back, I was greeted with a really happy face from everyone and to play again made me so glad.
“The supporters at my return game were also amazing.
“During the match, I got a standing ovation just by going from the bench to warm up.
“When I came on, the cheer was so loud. I remember getting goosebumps and almost crying.”
Celtic fans’ reaction to Kyogo return showed the close bond between this squad and supporters.
After the 2020/21 season, the relationship between Celtic supporters and the club was at an all-time low.
However, over the past 12 months, that relationship has recovered and there now appears to be a special bond between fans and Ange Postecoglou’s squad.
That is made clear by scenarios such as this one, with the Celtic fanbase showing their support for Kyogo on his long-awaited return from injury.
Having characters such as Kyogo have gone a long way to help repair that relationship, and now the club feels as one heading into the new competitive season.
The Parkhead faithful are now buzzing to see the Bhoys back in action this weekend, and that is due to popular figures around the club, such as Kyogo.
In other news, Ange praises Celtic star for resilient performances that have primed him for breakout season.
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